Although the Cook County News-Herald knows that the majority of sportsmen and women are law-abiding folks, there are a few that run afoul of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers. Periodically, the DNR provides a report of some of the miscreants the Conservation Officers (CO) have encountered. The News-Herald shares these stories as a reminder to all to be safe and to follow the rules!
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked anglers on Lake Superior and on inland lakes. The Superior fishing has been anything but as colder water temps have kept the salmon away and the lake trout deep. The deeper trout have also had a case of lock jaw.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) continues to receive nuisance bear calls, including a return of the outhouse raiding bear; a booby-trapped building did little to deter the bear and hopefully the ripening berries will give it something else to pick through. Manning also spent time patrolling BWCA lakes and portages as well as other inland lakes. One gentleman checked as he left the BWCA commented that he was getting used to seeing the officer as he has been checked in several locations, from various vehicles, throughout this summer.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) monitored area angling and ATV activity. Anglers were checked on inland lakes where the bite has slowed down. ATV trails were worked with area officers.
CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) removed approximately 200 square feet of carpet from the bottom of an area lake The carpet had been placed to kill the plants near the homeowner’s dock.
CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) dealt with a watercraft operator who was going about five times faster than allowed within 150 feet of shore on a stretch of river. The operator turned out to be a 72-year-old woman giving a ride to a juvenile.
CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spoke with two people who tried to use the excuse that they didn’t think they needed an angling license if they weren’t going to keep any fish. The excuse didn’t work and citations were issued. Frericks reminds people that a license is significantly cheaper than a citation for angling without a license.
CO Michael Scott (Water Resource Enforcement) checked anglers on the North Shore to Tofte area. Fishing was slow with a few reports of cohos still being caught. Enforcement action was taken for transporting a boat with drain plug in as well as no license in possession.
CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) was called for a nuisance bear that was attempting to grab a goat for its fastfood breakfast.
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